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Cargo Ship Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The University of Miami

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

... and cooking of all meals daily in the ship's galley for the scientists and crew aboard the WS (up ... of cargo. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing ...

University of Miami

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

... and cooking of all meals daily in the ship's galley for the scientists and crew aboard the WS (up ... of cargo. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing ...

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How much do cargo ship cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship cook in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo ship cook?

A Cargo Ship Cook is responsible for preparing meals for the crew on a cargo vessel. Their duties include menu planning, food storage management, maintaining kitchen hygiene, and cooking nutritious meals for long voyages. They must work with limited supplies and adapt to changing schedules. Additionally, they ensure food safety and follow maritime regulations. Good cooking skills and knowledge of rationing are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo ship cook?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience in meal planning, and a basic understanding of nutrition and food safety regulations, often supported by a food handling certificate or Seafarer's Medical Certificate. Familiarity with galley equipment, inventory management systems, and maritime safety procedures is essential. Adaptability, teamwork, time management, and strong organizational skills distinguish excellent candidates in this role. These abilities ensure consistent, safe, and efficient meal preparation in challenging, resource-limited settings at sea.

What are the typical working conditions and schedules for a cargo ship cook?

Cargo Ship Cooks generally work onboard ship for extended periods, often following rotating shifts to provide meals for the crew three times daily. You can expect to work in a compact galley kitchen, sometimes facing rough seas or long voyages, which requires adaptability and stamina. Collaboration with other crew members is essential, as you are responsible not only for food preparation but also for managing supplies and adhering to maritime health standards. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers unique opportunities for travel and the chance to develop valuable maritime and culinary skills.

Can I work on a cargo ship cook with no experience?

Cargo ship cooks typically need some culinary skills and experience in food preparation, but entry-level positions may be available for those willing to learn on the job. Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation is important, and on-the-job training is common for new hires. Certifications such as STCW may be required for working aboard international vessels.

How to become a cargo ship cook?

To become a cargo ship cook, you typically need relevant culinary training or experience, and often a maritime or safety certification such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Employment usually requires passing a background check and obtaining a maritime work visa or license, with some companies providing on-the-job training for new cooks. Familiarity with shipboard safety procedures and working in confined environments is also beneficial.
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Infographic showing various Cargo Ship Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Ship Cook/Steward - Temporary

Miami, FL • On-site

The University of Miami
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

262nd of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about The University of Miamiexternal

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Current Employees:
If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position, please review this tip sheet.
The Cook/Steward is responsible for the maintenance of living, cooking, and eating quarters aboard the UM research vessel, the F.G. Walton Smith (WS). The incumbent is responsible for the ordering, preparation, and cooking of all meals daily in the ship's galley for the scientists and crew aboard the WS (up to 20 people). The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of the living quarters aboard. Work may be performed under difficult conditions depending upon weather conditions at sea. The range of duties is broad in scope and the incumbent will be expected to exercise independent analysis, decision-making, judgment, and initiative in establishing priorities and completing work.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Plans, prepares, cooks, and serves food to all aboard the research vessel F.G. Walton Smith.
  • Cooks meats, vegetables, soups, pastries, desserts, and other courses.
  • Operates kitchen equipment
  • Must have the ability to cook for those with special dietary needs (lactose intolerance, vegetarian, vegan, etc.).
  • Responsible for purchase of food from stores required.
  • Responsible for sanitation, cleanliness, and maintenance of galley, mess area, and living quarters aboard.
  • Responsible for monitoring food costs and performing these duties within an allocated budget.
  • Be able to drive vehicle/van to purchase and pickup up ship's stores.
  • Participate in safety drills as directed by the vessel's Emergency Station Bill.
  • Assist with lading and unlading of cargo.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of materials and methods used in preparing and serving food.
  • Knowledge of a variety of recipes and the ability to plan proper dietary sufficient menus.
  • Knowledge of food costs and ability to maintain records and disbursements.
  • Ability to cook and prepare meals that are tasty, nutritious, and agreeable to all aboard.
  • Ability to work under occasional unpleasant and hazardous conditions, typically due to at-sea or weather-related conditions.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
  • High school graduate is required.
  • Culinary School completion preferred.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING
  • One year of Chef/Steward experience on vessels.
  • STCW Qualified.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation's premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Temporary
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About University of Miami

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Miami, located in the beautiful Coral Gables, Florida, is a comprehensive, private research institution in the United States. Operating within the higher education industry, the institution offers a multitude of degree programs spanning over 180 majors and program through its 12 colleges. The University was founded in 1925 with the mission to disseminate knowledge, transform lives, and change the world - a mission it has held faithfully to this day. Notably, the University of Miami has gained global recognition for its commitment to research and innovation, with over $324 million in research and sponsored project funding awarded annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coral Gables, FL, US

Year founded

1925

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